Trichoderma Harzianum - In Soil

[svleeh]

Hey there ICMAG community!

I've been studying facts about Trichoderma Harzianum and it seems like it's very beneficial fungi.

I checked the forum and found a little bit conversation here and there so I wanted to put up own topic for T. Harzianum.

Trichoderma Harzianum is a beneficial fungus widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and even hydroponics due to its ability to promote plant growth and protect against soil-borne pathogens.

Trichoderma Harzianum provides plant growth promotion as improved nutrium uptake and root growth stimulation. It also provides biological control of pathogens as antagonistic activity, competition of recources and production of antimicrobial compounds. It provides also induced systemic resistance (ISR) as it enchanses plant's natural defence mechanisms. It promotes stress tolerance. Also enchance of texture in soil and better overall health will be noticed.

I'd say this is pretty impressive thing as it can defeat root rot diseases such as Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium. Also increase in yields and root mass would be very nicey effect.

Do you guys have experience with this fungi and what do you think about it?
So its beneficial to plant's health and growth how does this show up?
If you have tried it, did you experience root rot at all?
Do you see this as beneficial or as bullshit?

Thanks, svleeh

 

[Creeperpark]

Hey there ICMAG community!

I've been studying facts about Trichoderma Harzianum and it seems like it's very beneficial fungi.

I checked the forum and found a little bit conversation here and there so I wanted to put up own topic for T. Harzianum.

Trichoderma Harzianum is a beneficial fungus widely used in agriculture, horticulture, and even hydroponics due to its ability to promote plant growth and protect against soil-borne pathogens.

Trichoderma Harzianum provides plant growth promotion as improved nutrium uptake and root growth stimulation. It also provides biological control of pathogens as antagonistic activity, competition of recources and production of antimicrobial compounds. It provides also induced systemic resistance (ISR) as it enchanses plant's natural defence mechanisms. It promotes stress tolerance. Also enchance of texture in soil and better overall health will be noticed.

I'd say this is pretty impressive thing as it can defeat root rot diseases such as Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium. Also increase in yields and root mass would be very nicey effect.

Do you guys have experience with this fungi and what do you think about it?
So its beneficial to plant's health and growth how does this show up?
If you have tried it, did you experience root rot at all?
Do you see this as beneficial or as bullshit?

Thanks, svleeh

It's bullshit in my view. Trichoderma harzianum can cause a wide range of problems in humans and the environment. So be very careful using it and use it very sparingly. Don't breathe it are let it come in contact with your skin. If one uses it incorrectly it can take over an environment and cause an imbalance in the soil.
Health issues
Inhaling Trichoderma spores can cause a variety of health issues, including:
Sneezing

Coughing

Asthma attacks

Lung infections, such as pneumonia

Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or hives

Sinusitis

Skin and liver infections

Stomatitis

Immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of serious health issues from Trichoderma.

What disease does Trichoderma cause in humans?
Trichoderma species cause a variety of clinical manifestations, such as invasive pulmonary infection, peritonitis, CNS infection, endocarditis, fungaemia and disseminated disease affecting distant organs, especially in patients with haematological malignancies and those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal ..

Competition for nutrients: Trichoderma harzianum competes for resources, such as space and nutrients, thereby reducing the availability of resources for pathogen growth and reproduction. Google

 

[Grapefruitroop]

As a former shroom grower i dealt with literally TONs of Trichoderma infected substrates and i can tell you, that even if is always a good practice to dont breath spores or touchin it without after washing your hands, it is absolutely safe if you dont have any particular immune system problem....
I did it for years....

It is a beneficial fungus for plants cause it is very agggresive and can take over other pathogenic fungi...
as creeper says:

Competition for nutrients: Trichoderma harzianum competes for resources, such as space and nutrients, thereby reducing the availability of resources for pathogen growth and reproduction. Google

I was used to always add it to my soil when i was growing organic living soil, but after my experince with shroom growing , i undrestood that was pointless to pay top dollars for it when is actually everywhere in the air we breathe, in our houses, and very likely its gona be already present in your soil.....so i stopped adding it..

But yeah, in general when handling powder fertilizers or bacterial inoculums its always safe to use a mask or avoid breathing any dust....be careful when opening a container or a bag.....do it carefully, you never know but dont be paranoid...

 

[Dr.Dutch]

It's bullshit in my view. Trichoderma harzianum can cause a wide range of problems in humans and the environment. So be very careful using it and use it very sparingly. Don't breathe it are let it come in contact with your skin. If one uses it incorrectly it can take over an environment and cause an imbalance in the soil.
Health issues
Inhaling Trichoderma spores can cause a variety of health issues, including:
Sneezing

Coughing

Asthma attacks

Lung infections, such as pneumonia

Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or hives

Sinusitis

Skin and liver infections

Stomatitis

Immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of serious health issues from Trichoderma.

What disease does Trichoderma cause in humans?
Trichoderma species cause a variety of clinical manifestations, such as invasive pulmonary infection, peritonitis, CNS infection, endocarditis, fungaemia and disseminated disease affecting distant organs, especially in patients with haematological malignancies and those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal ..

Competition for nutrients: Trichoderma harzianum competes for resources, such as space and nutrients, thereby reducing the availability of resources for pathogen growth and reproduction. Google

Trichoderma harzianum is a naturally occurring fungus widely used in agriculture and horticulture as a biocontrol agent to suppress plant pathogens and promote healthy soil environments. While the concerns mentioned are valid in specific contexts, they require clarification.

For healthy individuals, Trichoderma harzianum poses minimal to no risk under normal exposure conditions. The adverse health effects described (e.g., sneezing, coughing, asthma attacks, skin rashes) are generally associated with individuals who are immunocompromised or exposed to high concentrations of spores over prolonged periods, such as in occupational settings without adequate protective measures. These reactions are not unique to Trichoderma but are common to many fungal spores, which naturally exist in the air we breathe.

Key Points:​

1. Trichoderma spores are naturally present in the environment, particularly in soil and decomposing organic matter. Their presence in the air is a normal part of the fungal ecosystem.
2. Similar to other fungi, Trichoderma may cause issues onlyin:
   • Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with underlying conditions or undergoing specific medical treatments.
   • Scenarios of high-level exposure, like in industrial or laboratory environments where spores are concentrated.
3. For the average person using Trichoderma products correctly (e.g., in gardening or farming), the risk is negligible. Proper precautions like wearing gloves and masks are standard practices to avoid unnecessary contact or inhalation.
4. The environmental concern about "imbalances in the soil" arises only if Trichoderma is overused or misapplied, disrupting the natural microbial balance. When used sparingly and as directed, it enhances soil health by competing with harmful pathogens.

In summary, Trichoderma harzianum is safe for healthy individuals and beneficial for environmental applications when handled properly. The risks described are not exclusive to Trichoderma but apply broadly to many fungi and require specific circumstances (e.g., immunosuppression or excessive exposure) to become a concern.

(points summarized with gpt)

No risk at all for a healthy grower in a small or even bigger grow room.
Using bacillus and trichoderma strains for years now, some products with some more strains for clones and direct application in coco-substrat (ColonizeAG for t.harz.) and currently, I am also testing Biohealth directly in the reservoir tank for my Drip Drain to Waste system.

Trichoderma harzianum is well-researched scientifically, with its benefits clearly established.

(The following section was generated by GPT):
In cannabis cultivation, Trichoderma harzianum offers several proven advantages:

1. Improved root health: It promotes root development by colonizing the root zone and stimulating growth.
2. Pathogen suppression: Trichoderma harzianum protects plants by outcompeting harmful pathogens such as Pythium, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia, reducing the risk of root rot and other diseases.
3. Enhanced nutrient uptake: It aids in nutrient solubilization, especially phosphorus. However, this benefit is less significant in indoor cultivation systems where phosphorus is already provided in sufficient quantities through precise nutrient formulas.
4. Stress resistance: Plants treated with Trichoderma often show improved resistance to environmental stresses, such as drought or salinity. This is particularly relevant in outdoor or semi-controlled environments but less critical in stable indoor setups.
5. Faster plant growth: By improving the soil microbiome and root efficiency, it accelerates plant growth and overall vigor.

These benefits make Trichoderma harzianum a valuable tool for maximizing yields and maintaining healthy plants, although some advantages may be more relevant in specific growing conditions

Just one paper as reference, easy to find more on schoolar

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/13969329_Physiological_and_Biochemical_Characterization_of_Trichoderma_harzianum_a_Biological_Control_Agent_against_Soilborne_Fungal_Plant_Pathogens

Roots have beneficial microbial activity in the rhizosphere, even in hydroponics
Dr. Bruce Bugbee

Principles of Nutrient and Water Management for Indoor Agriculture

Mass balance principles are a cornerstone of efficient fertilizer use and can be utilized to optimize plant nutrition without discarding or leaching solution. Here, we describe the maintenance of closed hydroponic and soilless substrate systems based on mass balance. Water removed by...

www.mdpi.com

Peace

 

[LJ farming]

It's bullshit in my view. Trichoderma harzianum can cause a wide range of problems in humans and the environment. So be very careful using it and use it very sparingly. Don't breathe it are let it come in contact with your skin. If one uses it incorrectly it can take over an environment and cause an imbalance in the soil.
Health issues
Inhaling Trichoderma spores can cause a variety of health issues, including:
Sneezing

Coughing

Asthma attacks

Lung infections, such as pneumonia

Allergic reactions, such as skin rashes or hives

Sinusitis

Skin and liver infections

Stomatitis

Immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk of serious health issues from Trichoderma.

What disease does Trichoderma cause in humans?
Trichoderma species cause a variety of clinical manifestations, such as invasive pulmonary infection, peritonitis, CNS infection, endocarditis, fungaemia and disseminated disease affecting distant organs, especially in patients with haematological malignancies and those undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal ..

Competition for nutrients: Trichoderma harzianum competes for resources, such as space and nutrients, thereby reducing the availability of resources for pathogen growth and reproduction. Google

100%

 

[Dr.Dutch]

This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 in or on all food commodities when used in accordance with label directions and good agricultural practices. Symborg, Inc. submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of Trichoderma harzianum strain T-78 under FFDCA when used in accordance with this exemption.

Federal Register :: Request Access

8.1. Trichoderma We have found no scientific papers about epidemiological studies concerning exposure and health effects of T. harzianum, T. polysporum and T. viride used as MPCAs. In a short-term (six minutes) exposure of human airways to high concentrations (3.5×105 spores m-3) of T. harzianum no more reactions were seen than during exposure to placebo in eight sensitive school employees (123). The T. harzianum isolate was not from a MPCP as the study was performed in relation to exposure to fungal growth in buildings. Few cases are reported where T. harzianum or T. viride have been invasively infectious in immunocompromised patients (106, 124, 125). The cases were not related to the use of MPCPs.

Occupational exposure to microorganisms used as biocontrol agents in plant production

Exposure to bioaerosols containing fungi and bacteria may cause various deleterious respiratory health effects. Fungi and bacteria are commercially produced and applied to the environment as microbiological pest control agents (MPCAs). Attention has been drawn towards the exposure and health...

www.imrpress.com

C. Risk Assessment 1. Human Health Risk Assessment Data submitted were evaluated under the provisions of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Acute mammalian toxicology data support the lack of toxicity/pathogenicity of Trichoderma harzianum strain T-39. These data are sufficient to support the exemption from tolerance for all food commodities for this microbial pesticide. The Agency has not identified any acute, subchronic, chronic, immune, endocrine, dietary or nondietary exposure issues which may affect children and the general U.S. population. There is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from dietary, non-dietary, cumulative and aggregate exposure to the active ingredient Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain T-39.

https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/related_PC-119200_1-May-00.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

As mentioned, only if, for example, you are a transplant patient, handling it could be somewhat critical

Fatal Case of Trichoderma harzianum Infection in a Renal Transplant Recipient - PMC

We describe the second known case of human infection by Trichoderma harzianum. A disseminated fungal infection was detected in the postmortem examination of a renal transplant recipient and confirmed in culture. The only other reported infection by ...

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Dr.Dutch]

Plant Growth-Promoting Properties of Trichoderma harzianum
Trichoderma harzianum has been widely studied for its ability to promote plant growth through multiple mechanisms. These include enhancing nutrient availability, suppressing pathogens, and producing compounds that stimulate plant development.

Key Findings:​

1. Enhanced Nutrient Uptake:
   • T. harzianum improves nutrient availability and uptake in plants. For instance, a study on sweet sorghum showed that inoculation with T. harzianum significantly improved growth and productivity.
     Source: Frontiers in Plant Science. Available at: Frontiers in Plant Science
2. Pathogen Suppression:
   • T. harzianum exhibits biocontrol properties, effectively suppressing fungal pathogens like Pythium, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia. This leads to healthier plants with reduced disease incidence.
     Source: PMC – National Library of Medicine. Available at: PMC Article
3. Production of Growth-Promoting Compounds:
   • The fungus produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that enhance plant growth and provide protection against pathogens.
     Source: Frontiers in Plant Science. Available at: Frontiers in Plant Science
4. Improved Root Development:
   • T. harzianum colonizes plant roots, fostering enhanced growth and efficiency in water and nutrient absorption.
     Source: Wikipedia. Available at: Wikipedia

Benefits in Coco Substrates with Bacillus spp.:​

Studies have also explored the combined use of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus spp. in coco substrates, revealing synergistic effects for plant growth and disease resistance.

1. Enhanced Growth and Disease Suppression:
   • Co-application of Bacillus megaterium TSB16 and T. harzianum in coconut and cocoa cultivation improved growth and suppressed soilborne pathogens.
     Source: Lupine Publishers. Available at: Lupine Publishers
2. Seedling Health in Coco-Peat:
   • Coco-peat enriched with T. harzianum improved the health and vigor of tomato and chili seedlings, showcasing its potential in soilless substrates.
     Source: CABI Digital Library. Available at: CABI Digital Library
3. Synergistic Effects with Bacillus spp.:
   • Co-cultivation of Trichoderma and Bacillus species enhances beneficial gene expression, amplifying their growth-promoting and pathogen-suppressing properties.
     Source: Frontiers in Microbiology. Available at: Frontiers in Microbiology

Conclusion:​

Trichoderma harzianum, alone or in combination with Bacillus spp., offers significant benefits for plant growth and health in both soil-based and soilless systems like coco substrates. These microorganisms enhance root function, suppress pathogens, and boost plant resilience, making them valuable tools for sustainable agriculture and horticulture.

(Oh man, how simple, fast, and effective research is with GPT-4 nowadays )

 

[Orange's Greenhouse]

Wow, chatbots talking with eachother. The future is nigh!